With qualifying behind him, West’s team planned a busy day to start its official campaign charge.

Beginning his day with about 350 members of the Martin County Republican Executive Committee, West enjoyed BBQ and a warm welcome before traveling south to Palm Beach Gardens.

The congressman arrived at the Borland Center to a crowd of about 400 that had been revved up by the unveiling of his soon-to-be-released ad, which included the catchphrase, “I’m just getting started,” following, “some say that I push too hard, that I ask too much.”

The speech was more comprehensive and scripted than recent talks, encompassing a wider spectrum of issues and summarizing his position on the size of government, the tax code, affordable health care, education, energy and the economy, among other topics.

Proud of “ruffling feathers,” West said, “While others are in D.C. trying to make friends, I kinda like to make waves,” adding, “If the mainstream media is attacking you, you’re doing something right.”

Responding to the president’s assessment that the public sector is doing fine, West said, “I don’t know what planet the president is occupying, but it is not the United States of America.”